by 

Mahanda Antoine - Thursday, 9 September 2021, 7:39 PM

 
Mahanda Antoine

Graded Discussion

         I agree that Covid-19 has caused businesses to re-evaluate their operations through the use
of information systems. Hardcastle (2008) states that information Systems are used within an
organization or business to manage their affairs effectively and efficiently, while Zwass (2020)
defines information systems as a group of components that collects, stores and processes data to
provide information to acquire knowledge, skills and to enhance products or services. Firms and
organizations depend on information systems to carry and manage their daily operations such as
communication with suppliers, customers and to enable them to be competitive within the
marketplace (Altamony et al. 2012).

         Many businesses such as Ebay, Amazon and Google were created and operates through the
use of Information systems. According to Berisha-Shaquiri (2015) an organization can
accomplish a competitive advantage when their operations are done in an effective and efficient
manner. Companies relies on information systems to provide relevant and essential information
for better decision making which in turn helps in elevating the company's performance.
Information systems utilizes different tools and software that processes the data then converts it
to useful and meaningful information for better comprehension. Many types of reports can be
generated from such data to assist the company with making timely decisions which is necessary
in this new and fast paste era.

         The way of living has changed drastically due to Covid-19. It has affected the business
sector and the economy. Covid-19 has forced many businesses to close, while many others are
faced with profit losses and even bankruptcy. In order to survive businesses had to change its
style of operation to virtual or remote working conditions. Digitization or automation is
paramount if companies wish to survive and thrive in this uncertain environment. Bagchi, K.
(2021) postulates that through automation less paper is used, whereby reducing company
operating cost and protects the environment by promoting environmental sustainability. Covid-
19 is changing this hard to break habit of printing documents. So many companies are forced to
move from the traditional way of operating. Its either they join or drown many has realized.
Whoever thought that officials would have to refrain from business travelling and be limited to
their homes or desks while conducting business? Times are changing fast and with the increase
in distance required between people, companies are trying to limit documents from passing
through person to person. Information systems has proven to be the safest mechanism to provide
valuable and beneficial information to companies in this tough times.

                                                                                 References
 
Altamony, H., Masa'Deh, R., Alshurideh, M., & Obeidat, B. Y. (2012). Information Systems for
Competitive Advantage: Implementation of an Organisational Strategic Management...
ResearchGate.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/260082007_Information_Systems_for_Competitive_A
dvantage_Implementation_of_an_Organisational_Strategic_Management_Process

Bagchi, K. (2021). Going Paperless: Is less paper the holy grail of automation and digitalization?
– Back End News Retrieved from https://backendnews.net/going-paperless-is-less- paper-the-
holy-grail-of automation-and digitization/

Berisha-Shaqiri, A. (2015). Management Information System and Competitive Advantage.

Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 204. https://doi.org/10.5901/mjss.2015.v6n1p204

Hardcastle, E. (2008). Business Information Systems Published by Ventus Publishing ApS

Zwass, V. (2020). Information systems. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved

from http://www.britannica.com/topic/information-system
501 words

Hi Mahanda,

I certainly agree with you on this topic. The covid-19 virus acted as an impetus in pushing many

organizations to fall in line with the inevitable trend of embracing information technology as its

core of operations. As you rightly mentioned, companies such as Amazon, eBay, and google's

primary functions are based on information technology, the most profitable companies in the

world, and household names. (Pereira, 2021), outlines the three primary value propositions of

Amazon as low prices, fast dilery to customers, and an extensive selection of products. These

three propositions enable the customers with convenience as they are are only required to have

an electronic device with internet connection to purchase any item from the comfort of their

home. During the pandemic, this convenience was well appreciated by millions worldwide due

to restrictions.

Information systems have impacted me personally; as mentioned, officials now have to refrain

from traveling. With WebEx, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom, meetings can now be conducted
virtually, which has several benefits such as cost associated with travel and accommodation and

time lost as one can now multi-tasks at the office compared to being able to multi-task at the

office away. Information technology promotes paperless operations, as you rightly outlined; this

aids in reducing repetitions as information is stored on a central server and accessed when

desired by multiple users, which reduces wastage via photocopying. This promotes

environmental sustainability and thus promotes good corporate accountability for the

organization.

As social distancing is now being promoted, employers are urging employees to work remotely

where possible. Companies with developed management information systems were able to move

smoothly into this new arrangement as employees could function remotely once they were able

to connect to the world wide web.

I, therefore, conclude by greeing with you that Covid-19 has caused businesses to re-evaluate

their operations through the use of information systems.

Reference

Pereira, D. (2021, July 29). Amazon business model. Business Model Analyst. Retrieved
September 19, 2021, from https://businessmodelanalyst.com/amazon-business-model/.